British Rugby Stars Gareth Thomas and James Haskell Talk Sochi Olympics, Gays in Sports: VIDEO

Gareth Thomas, the first openly gay international rugby player, and James Haskell, London Wasps flanker and LGBT ally, both stopped by Sportslobster TV to discuss among other things the upcoming Sochi Olympics and the wider issue of the lack of openly gay professional athletes. Best Movies Ever reports:

When asked what his thoughts were on the questions raised about upcoming sporting events planned for countries where there are laws in place against homosexuality, such as the 2014 Russian Winter Olympics and 2022 Qatar World Cup, Thomas gave strong views: "If I was part of a squad going to these countries - I would go there as a gay man and be the best at what I was doing and prove that their laws can not stop me at being the best I can be in sport. Athletes can't have the power to make decisions as to whether to compete in countries where they tolerate homosexuality. They often only have one chance to be the best and they have worked so hard to get there that nothing should hold them back."

England and Wasps flanker, Haskell, supports these views and claims many rugby players are hiding their sexuality due to perceived stigma: "Statistically there must be gay rugby players out there but I don't know of a single one. I feel bad anyone struggles to be true to who they are, as no one should have to live a lie."

"With Gareth - being gay was just a side story, as he was just a brilliant rugby player first and foremost. I don't think most in rugby could care less whether a teammate was gay - but there are definitely boundaries where some who you call friends and teammates may look at you a different way if you come out. The fact a rugby player may say they prefer men to women does not mean it should have any relevance in sport. Certainly in rugby it is becoming more acceptable but, regardless of what people may say, there will always be preconceptions and stereotypes in the sport."

Check out a video of the two discussing gay players as well as Thomas's upcoming biopic starring Mickey Rourke AFTER THE JUMP...

Arkansas Attorney General Approves Language for 2016 Marriage Equality Ballot Measure

Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel (pictured) has accepted language for a proposed 2016 ballot measure submitted by Arkansas Initiative for Marriage Equality (AIME) that would repeal the state's constitutional amendment prohibiting same-sex marriage and would bring marriage equality to the Natural State.

Back in September, McDaniel approved the wording of a proposed 2014 ballot measure by a separate group that would repeal the constitutional amendment, but wouldn't specifically call for legalizing gay marriage. The Houston Chronicle reports:

[AIME Founder Jack Weir] said he planned to help the group trying to get the gay marriage ban repeal on the ballot next year while also gathering support for his 2016 proposal. McDaniel had rejected earlier versions of Weir's proposal because it didn't address the ban currently in the constitution.

"It's going to take a lot of effort from our people and the newcomers we'll have in the next three years," he said. "I see people's hearts and minds changing every time we go to an event and talk to people. I see a big change coming in Arkansas."

Weir said he hopes to quickly begin gathering the necessary 78,133 signatures from registered voters needed to place the proposal on the ballot. 

AFA's Bryan Fischer Wants to Know Why We're Banning Trans Fats and Not Homosexuality: VIDEO

American Family Association spokeshater Bryan Fischer wasn't pleased about the FDA's recent announcement that it was phasing out trans fats from America's food supply. 

Said Fisher:

"Even though [trans fats] makes your frosting taste better, your doughnuts taste better, makes your crackers taste better, and improves their texture, their shelf stability, [the FDA] believe its bad for you. Bad for your heart. That's their conviction, the FDA. So we've got to ban it because it is bad for human health. Well if we were going to take that same reasoning, we would ban homosexuality. It is a hazard to human health."

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...

 

Towleroad Guide to the Tube #1462

LILY ALLEN COVERS KEANE: For the annual John Lewis Christmas ad.

JIM WOLF: Homeless U.S. Army veteran transformed by makeover, secures housing, faces alcoholism.

THIS WEEK: In unnecessary censorship.

LANA DEL REY: A teaser of her "Tropico" video.

For recent Guides to the Tube, click HERE.

News: Kwame Harris, NYC, Bill Condon, Asteroid, GM, Marco Rubio

Snowstorm possible on East Coast next week.

Michael Musto and Amy Sacco lament the death of nightlife in NYC: "“There’s no more naughty in New York,” she said. “No more of the charm and grit that made this city mysterious and interesting. The city that never sleeps took an Ambien a long time ago.”

Chris Hemsworth on starvation diet for Moby Dick pic.

Judge issues stay of lawsuit challenging Illinois ban on gay marriage: "Hall's order says the parties will appear Nov. 14 to discuss how to proceed. A spokesman for Lambda Legal, which represents some of the couples, says attorneys will ask that the lawsuit be dismissed after Gov. Pat Quinn signs the gay marriage bill into law."

Star Wars Episode VII gets a release date.

GM to recognize all gay marriages: “GM will recognize a legal marriage for U.S. employees no matter the state of residence,” the automaker said in a statement. “For example, if a GM employee residing in Michigan, where same-sex marriage is not recognized, got married in New York, GM would recognize that marriage.”

A shirtless and wet Tyson Beckford may be just what you need.

Asteroid with six tails baffles scientists.

Oklahoma responds to Hagel on spousal benefits: "Gov. Mary Fallin says Oklahoma National Guard facilities and employees who are paid with state tax dollars won't process benefits for married, same-sex couples. Fallin said Wednesday that all marriage benefits — including same-sex benefits — will be processed by federal employees at four federally owned National Guard facilities and at the state's five military bases."

Nothing to Hide: Neil Patrick Harris-directed show opens in NYC.

Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy steps down.

Marco Rubio to keynote the "conservative dinner event of the year": the Florida Family Policy Council’s 8th Annual Policy Awards Dinner on Nov. 16. "The FFPC, a staunchly conservative nonprofit dedicated to promoting anti-gay and pro-life policies, is run by John Stemberger, an outspoken anti-gay activist who supports banning gays from participating in the Boy Scouts."

Taylor Kitsch is walking around NYC with a hockey stick.

Former NFL player Kwame Harris found guilty of domestic violence against former boyfriend. "Harris, 31, was found guilty Monday of misdemeanor domestic violence, battery and assault for the attack Aug. 21, 2012. A jury in San Mateo County Superior Court acquitted him of felony domestic violence and felony assault counts."

Director Bill Condon goes to the circus: "First up, The Fifth Estate helmer is directing a re-imagining of the cult Broadway musical Side Show at La Jolla Playhouse, featuring music by Dreamgirls composer Henry Krieger and scenic design by David Rockwell. The show officially opens Nov. 17 and runs through Dec. 15....fter that, he will begin rewriting 20th Century Fox's contemporary musical The Greatest Showman on Earth, which will star Hugh Jackman as P.T. Barnum."

Behind the Mormon support for ENDA: "Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah, who at 79 is one of the Senate’s longest-serving members, became the first Republican to signal he would reverse his opposition as the bill faced a crucial vote in committee. He voted against a similar bill the last time it came up in the Senate — 17 years ago — but changed his mind earlier this year after Gordon H. Smith, a fellow Mormon and former Republican senator, convinced him there was nothing in it that violated church doctrine."

Hawaii House Begins Final Reading and Vote on Marriage Equality Bill: WATCH LIVE

The Hawaii House is scheduled to hold its third and final reading of the marriage equality bill today at 10 am HAST / 3 pm ET.

You can tune in live HERE or HERE.